By Muhammad Mamman
In a high-stakes closed-door meeting on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu met with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a trusted confidant of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The rendezvous at the Presidential Villa has sparked speculation about a potential political realignment, with Jibrin, the MP for Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency and former Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, hinting that a switch to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is “not impossible.”
Speaking to State House correspondents, Jibrin remained coy but left the door ajar for defection. “It’s not the time for that conversation, but everything is open, and it’s a possibility,” he said, emphasising national stability and unity as his priorities. “When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
The meeting, Jibrin noted, was unsurprising given the longstanding ties between Tinubu and Kwankwaso. “I came to greet the President, check on him, and discuss national issues in the interest of Nigerians,” he explained, underscoring the deep political bond between the two leaders.
Amid recent tensions, with Kwankwaso accusing Tinubu’s administration of favouring southern infrastructure projects, Jibrin downplayed any rift. “Both are seasoned politicians committed to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and prosperity,” he said, dismissing concerns about his Villa visit. He urged a balanced view of the administration’s record, noting, “You can see the cup as half full or half empty. Every leader does their best, and constructive discourse can be a blessing in disguise.”
As political manoeuvres intensify, Jibrin’s cryptic remarks and high-profile meeting have set tongues wagging about potential shifts in Nigeria’s political landscape.
